Youth Tennis Program, Junior Elite Tennis Academy to again provide valuable summer instruction
Vincennes University Tennis Coach Ron Albers has announced that the Vincennes Youth Tennis Program and Junior Elite Tennis Academy (JETA) will be conducted again this summer at the VU Tennis Courts on the campus.
(*See registration forms for both clinics below or on the main VU Tennis Web Page in PDF format)
The Vincennes Youth Tennis Program is offered to all students between five years old and the 11th grade, regardless of tennis or athletic ability or background. The program is ideal for any youngster interested in learning the game or taking their game to the next level, Albers said.
“The clinic will be conducted in a positive, enjoyable, fun atmosphere with quality instruction,” Albers said. “I’ll be assisted by current collegiate tennis players, as well as a talented and energetic group of former Vincennes area high school tennis players.”
The tennis clinic will be May 29-June 1 and June 4-7 (Friday, June 8, and Monday, June 11, will be makeup dates, if necessary). Call 812-888-4474 for daily clinic status in the event of inclement weather.
Younger participants will be placed in age groups, but more advanced training will be available to a limited number of middle school and high school tournament-level players completing grades 5-11. The clinic format will be:
- PEEWEE TENNIS GROUP:
Ages 5-7. 11-11:30 a.m.
Cost: $35 for two-week session.
- FUTURE CHAMPIONS GROUPS:
5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades (grade just completed): 8-8:55 a.m.,
2nd, 3rd and 4th grades (grade just completed): 9-9:55 a.m. or 10-10:55 a.m.
Cost: $60 for the two-week session.
- TOURNAMENT PLAYERS GROUP:
A drill-oriented class open to middle school and high school tournament-level players coming out of grades 5-11. The two-hour class will be offered from 8-10 a.m. To insure top quality student/instructor ratio and the highest level of instruction, only 24 spots will be available.
Cost: $105 for the two-week session.
- EQUIPMENT: Please dress comfortably. A water bottle, towel and sunscreen are highly recommended. All players must bring TWO cans of unopened Penn or Wilson Championship tennis balls (All clinic participants will receive a Vincennes Youth Tennis t-shirt).
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JETA was formed to help expand tennis skills, specifically, the ability to play better in tennis matches and tournaments. JETA is looking to attract players who are interested in summer tournament play, middle school and high school tennis, a potential Midwest ranking and beyond. The Academy will stress point play, set play and match play. Participants will engage in those three specific aspects, plus competition and situational drills.
The week-long JETA clinic will be 9-11 a.m. June 25-28 at the Vincennes University Tennis Courts. If necessary, a rain date of Friday, June 29, has been set (in inclement weather, call Clinic Director and VU Tennis Coach Ron Albers' office at 812-888-4474 for academy status updates each morning).
Each registered clinic participant will receive a K-Swiss JETA t-shirt. Because of the nature of the academy, participants are limited to high school- and middle school-age players. The number of participants is also limited. Please complete and return the entry form as soon as possible. Cost for the week-long JETA clinic is $95. In the event the Academy is full, participants will be informed and fees returned.
As with all summer tennis activities, water will be provided. However, clinic participants should bring a water bottle, towel and sunscreen.
Albers has coached VU Tennis since 1980, leading the Trailblazers to the NJCAA National Championship in 2011 and to a spot in the tournament each year since 1984. He is a member of the NJCAA Tennis Hall of Fame and a winner of the Wilson and K Swiss National Coach of the Year awards.
For more information on either the Youth Tennis Program or Junior Elite Tennis Academy, contact Albers, USPTA, at 812-888-4474 (office) or 812-886-9525 (home).
